Don't demonise the PM for heading to Saudi: the Gulf, Asia and India are where our economic future lies

Theresa May’s first visit to Saudi Arabia as Prime Minister serves as a timely reminder of the many exciting opportunities that could be on offer to Britain as the Government sets about negotiating our withdrawal from the EU.

Inevitably, the announcement that Mrs May has chosen Riyadh as her first overseas destination after triggering Article 50 will prompt criticism from human rights activists and the Left, who want Britain to cut military ties with the Saudis over allegations its military has committed war crimes in Yemen.

Theresa May is heading to SaudiCredit:
EPA/ANDY RAIN/EPA/ANDY RAIN

But the fact that the Prime Minister, alongside other senior ministers who are embarking on overseas trade missions this week, is already looking to do business far and wide...